The Rasmuson Foundation has awarded a Tier 2 grant to help construct the Gustavus Community Center (GCC). The award is a “top off grant” of up to $400,000 depending on the group raising the approximately $300,000 still needed to complete the project. Since its beginning in 2009 the mission of GCC has been “to create a sustainable and beautiful multi-use facility to promote health, enhance quality of life, preserve local traditions, and strengthen the integrity of our community”.
Founding Board President Kathy Streveler said in a press release that it all started with a conversation with the late Gustavus elder Sally Lesh.
“Sally told me that ever since the 1960s, she had wanted to see a place for people to gather. She suggested that we have a pie potluck to start fundraising,” she said.
Since then, the group has served over 3,400 slices of pie, donated by local bakers.
“We’re building community, one pie at a time,” she said.
Community feedback from GCC’s origin identified the three most important facility needs: a large gathering space, an exercise facility, and a community kitchen.
The first phase of GCC (nicknamed “Refuge from the Rain”) will create an approximately 3,200 square foot facility containing a main hall with seating for 200, restrooms, and a community kitchen. The main hall will have partitions so that multiple events can be held simultaneously, and a covered porch will allow “rain or shine” outdoor events. Later the project will add an exercise room and office space.
Since 2010 GCC has been without a facility. Events were organized in borrowed spaces to allow them to serve hundreds of residents and visitors each year.
The new Gustavus Community Center will be able to serve more people and create new opportunities for the arts, fitness, education, and recreation for all ages. The facility will also be available to rent for private events.
“Our fantastic board of directors has kept their eye on the ball for many years, but the people of Gustavus deserve most of the credit. They can be really proud that they’ve helped create a gathering place that will serve us all for many years,” Streveler added.
Donations from 150 households and 11 businesses, as well as a response to fundraising events raised $254,507 in 2010-2012 to purchase eight acres of meadow in Gustavus. Since then, GCC has secured additional cash and in-kind pledges totaling over $458,000 including site planning, septic, water, electrical and architectural design, as well as the materials and installation of a driveway and parking area. The total estimated cost of the project is $1.4 million.
“It’s been a long road, in economically tough times, but the Rasmuson grant is a huge vote of confidence in the project that will hopefully attract new donors. To get to the finish line, we’ll be reaching out to regional businesses and philanthropists.” Streveler said.
The timeline for construction will depend on how quickly the remaining funds can be raised. Once the project begins, the GCC board expects that site preparation and construction will be complete in about nine months, potentially opening the doors to phase one of the Community Center in late summer or fall 2018. In the meantime, GCC will continue to offer a wide array of community events.
Donate by visiting www.gustavuscommunitycenter.com, or send a check to GCC at PO Box 147, Gustavus, Alaska 99826. To find out more or to volunteer, contact gustavuscommunitycenter@gmail.com.
